The Holidays return to WWoHP at Universal Orlando today

There may not be snow, but it is definitely Christmas at Hogwarts. Holiday festivities return today, Friday, November 22, to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

With festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, customers will be surrounded by simulated holiday magic as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this holiday season. You can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with Molly Weasley’s favourite radio sensation, Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees, in Diagon Alley.

And as night falls in Hogsmeade, the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns – bringing to life a projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments inspired by the “Harry Potter” films.

Whilst you are there, if you can tear yourself away from the Wizarding World, there are holiday festivities in other franchise areas, including Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure. There, customers can hear a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Plus, Seuss Landing will transport customers to Who-ville, where you will be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor, enjoy special appearances from the Whos, and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself! There’s also the Holiday Parade, the Universal Holiday Tour, and new Holiday Nutcracker-themed scavenger hunt.

Customers can also find additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers, and more.

There is no denying that this holiday fun will cost you a Gringotts vault-full of galleons. Flights, hotels, ground transportation, park admission fees, food, and extra fees for special events, all add up to eye-watering sums at today’s prices. Only you can decide if it is a feasible and worthwhile expense for you and your family. Here’s a taste of the fine print from Universal Orlando: Access to the in-park festivities of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. Customers can now save up to $450 on a four-night stay in a Garden View room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, where they will also receive free Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Florida Residents and Annual and Seasonal Passholders can also save 40% at all Universal Orlando hotels on select dates. Customers can plan their visit with a variety of offers from Universal Orlando, including the all-new Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes theme park admission, hotel accommodations and a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000 to use at select restaurants and dining locations throughout the resort. For more information about the new Dining Card Vacation Package and to purchase, click here. For more information about Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Holidays. 

You better hurry, though, as the holiday decor and programming only run through New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31.